The Young Foundation's latest report 'Sinking and Swimming: understanding Britain's unmet needs' explores how psychological and material needs are being met and unmet in Britain. Based on new analysis of statistical data, case studies, surveys and hundreds of conversations with people across the country, the study shows where the most acute needs are and how they interrelate. It looks at why some people can cope with shocks and setbacks and others can't. And it draws out the implications for policy, philantropy and public action.

The welfare state that was built up after the great economic crisis of the 1930s was designed to address Britain's material needs - for jobs, homes, health care and pensions. It was assumed that people's emotional needs would be met by close knit families and communities.

Sixty years later psychological needs have become as pressing as material ones: the risk of loneliness and isolation; the risk of mental illness; the risk of being left behind. New solutions are needed to help the many people struggling with transitions out of care, prison or family breakdown, and to equip people with the resilience they'll need to get by in uncertain times.

Britain is still a rich country - but one with many poor people. And it is a largely happy country - but with many unhappy people. This study is a guide to the changing landscape of need - and a guide to how we can reduce the unnecessary suffering around us.

The launch of the Young Foundation's latest report was held 7 December 2009, at 9am in the Riverside Room, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL. This event was attended by senior civil servants, experts, stakeholders and funders. Speakers for the event include senior politicians Vincent Cable and Oliver Letwin.

For further media queries, please contact Alison Harvie alison.harvie@youngfoundation.org

For an electronic copy of the report, please click here.

To read the summary of the report, please click here.

In addition, the report can also be bought on our online shop.

The event and the report were also covered in the following media outlets: The Guardian, BBC, Telegraph.co.uk, Mark Easton's blog on BBC,  and the Sydney Morning Herald.

In addition, Geoff Mulgan, Director of the Young Foundation, was featured on BBC's Today programme and has written about 'Brittle Britain' in The Times.